A Historic Beacon of Sustainability – India’s First “Solar City”

Sanchi, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the renowned Stupa, which has illuminated the world for over two millennia. This historic town has embarked on a remarkable journey towards sustainability by becoming India’s first “solar city”.

To achieve this, the Government of Madhya Pradesh selected a leading energy installer, Goldi Solar, to help design a solution over two parts to meet their sustainability requirements. In the project’s first stage, Goldi Solar designed, installed and commissioned a 3 MW solar plant to meet the city’s energy needs. As part of this project, Goldi Solar selected FIMER’s 3 MW PVS980-58 central inverter.

The PVS980-58 central inverter will be at the heart of Sanchi’s “solar city” project, and it will be pivotal in ensuring the solar plant’s efficiency, reliability, and performance.
 
PVS980-58 central inverters are known for their high conversion efficiency, which maximizes the energy yield from the solar panels installed. With its patented adaptive cooling technology, the PVS980 central inverter can regulate its temperature to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This is particularly important in the Indian climate, which can experience extreme heat and humidity.

The first stage of the project was completed in September 2023. It will reduce over 14,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, a significant step towards sustainable energy usage. The second stage of building India’s first “solar city” is currently being completed, while another 8 MW plant is under construction under the Indian Government’s initiative. Once commissioned in early 2024, the combined solar plants will generate surplus energy for the city. 

Sanchi’s transformation into India’s first “solar city” represents a remarkable intersection of history, culture, and modern sustainability. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the city’s solar initiatives, symbolizes a harmonious coexistence of the past and the future. By reducing carbon emissions, creating economic opportunities, and setting an example for others, Sanchi has proven that renewable energy can illuminate not just its Stupa but also the path towards a sustainable and cleaner world.